Washington, DC Anxiety Treatment Center of Capitol Hill
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    • Evidence-Based Treatment >
      • Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment/Exposure Therapy
      • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
      • Adapted Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
      • Evidence-Based Couples Therapy
    • Clinical Services >
      • Standard Individual Clinical Services
      • Clinical Groups
      • Accelerated/Intensive Program
      • Consultation services
  • Psychologists
    • Dr. Johanna Kaplan, Director
    • Dr. Anna Villavicencio
    • Dr. Jennifer Meeter
    • Dr. Lediya Dumessa
    • Dr. Rachel Lacks
    • Dr. Blaise Worden
    • Dr. Jennifer Henderson
    • Dr. Oxana Stebbins
    • Dr. Mark Wahl
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Adapted Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

What is Adapted Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for children from ages 3-8 with behavioral concerns (e.g., defiant behavior, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). 
 
PCIT is performed via “coaching” sessions by a clinical psychologist during which there are two treatment phases: Development of a positive relationship with your child and implementation of strategies meant to decrease oppositional behaviors in your child. 
 
In the first phase, the goals are as follows:
  • Decrease frequency/severity/duration of temper tantrums
  • Decrease negative behaviors (e.g., whining, hitting)
  • Decrease parent frustration
  • Increase attention span from the child
  • Increase distress tolerance from the child
  • Increase in prosocial behaviors (e.g., sharing)
 
In the second phase, the goals are as follows:
  • Decrease frequency/severity/duration of aggressive behavior
  • Decrease destructive behaviors (e.g., hitting, yelling)
  • Increase attention span and follow-through
  • Improve private and public behavior
  • Increase in parental calmness 

PCIT is meant to be attended to consistently and with homework completed in approximately 12-20 sessions. Due to the physical constraints of our practice settings (we do not have a padded/wall-cushioned room with one-way mirror), we have adapted PCIT to use in a private-practice outpatient setting. At WACCH, we have found it to be just as effective in terms of outcome. 

 

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Old Town, Alexandria Office
220 South Washington Street, Suite 102
Alexandria, VA 22314

​ Phone: 202-768-6494
Capitol Hill Office
​519 9th street SE
​Washington, DC 20003

​ Phone: 202-768-6494
Copyright 2023 Washington Anxiety Center of Capitol Hill | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy

Capitol Hill and Nature photography credit Copyright 2023 to Jesse Mann
  • Home
  • About Our Practice
  • Who and How we Treat
    • Evidence-Based Treatment >
      • Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment/Exposure Therapy
      • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
      • Adapted Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
      • Evidence-Based Couples Therapy
    • Clinical Services >
      • Standard Individual Clinical Services
      • Clinical Groups
      • Accelerated/Intensive Program
      • Consultation services
  • Psychologists
    • Dr. Johanna Kaplan, Director
    • Dr. Anna Villavicencio
    • Dr. Jennifer Meeter
    • Dr. Lediya Dumessa
    • Dr. Rachel Lacks
    • Dr. Blaise Worden
    • Dr. Jennifer Henderson
    • Dr. Oxana Stebbins
    • Dr. Mark Wahl
  • Contact us
  • Payment
  • Resources
    • Book Supplements
    • WACCH speaking events
    • Press